The Chicago Bulls are heading to Los Angeles to face the Lakers this Saturday night in what promises to be an interesting matchup between two teams on different trajectories.
The Lakers enter as heavy 9.5-point favorites on their home court, according to BetOnline odds.
Chicago brings a 30-40 record to Crypto.com Arena, while the Lakers stand much stronger at 43-26 for the season.
Want to catch all the action? Jazz Sports is offering a free live stream of the game, which tips off at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Both teams are dealing with significant injury concerns heading into Saturday’s contest.
The Bulls might be without point guard Tre Jones, who’s listed as questionable with a foot injury. Kevin Huerter should play despite a thumb issue, but Chicago will definitely miss Ayo Dosunmu, who’s out for the season with a shoulder injury. Lonzo Ball remains sidelined indefinitely with a wrist problem.
The Lakers’ injury report looks even more crowded. LeBron James has been upgraded to questionable after missing time with a groin injury. Luka Doncic is probable despite ankle issues, as are Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Dorian Finney-Smith. Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent are questionable, while Maxi Kleber is out indefinitely.
Despite their losing record, the Bulls have been playing decent basketball lately. They’ve won 6 of their last 10 games and are averaging nearly 118 points during that stretch.
Chicago is coming off an impressive 128-116 win over the Kings on Thursday night.
Coby White was on fire in Sacramento, dropping 35 points on efficient 10-of-18 shooting.
Kevin Huerter added 25 points in what was surely an emotional return to Sacramento. The Kings traded him to Chicago earlier this season in the three-team deal that sent De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio.
The game also featured Zach LaVine’s first matchup against his former Bulls teammates since being traded.
“I’m happy for [Huerter],” Bulls coach Billy Donovan said after the game. “He’s a very good player. I think emotionally it’s always tough, going back to a place. I’m sure it was tough for Zach tonight. Demar [DeRozan] did it coming to Chicago one time.”
The Lakers have been dominant at home this season with a 28-8 record.
Like Chicago, they’re 6-4 in their last 10 games, but they’ve struggled recently without their superstar. Los Angeles has lost five of eight games since March 8, when LeBron James suffered his groin injury.
Ankle problems have hampered both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves during this stretch.
The Lakers have also missed Rui Hachimura, who’s been out for 12 straight games with knee tendinopathy.
There was a bright spot for Lakers fans on Thursday, though. Rookie Bronny James scored a career-high 17 points off the bench, showing flashes of potential while shooting an efficient 7-of-10 from the field.
The good news for the Lakers is that LeBron’s return appears imminent, and Hachimura could be back soon as well.
ESPN’s Basketball Power Index gives the Lakers a 62.7% chance of winning Saturday’s game.
History favors the home team too. The Bulls have struggled against the Lakers recently, going just 4-10 in their last 14 matchups. Meanwhile, Los Angeles has been nearly unbeatable at home lately, winning 9 of their last 10 games at Crypto.com Arena.
